Motion Graphics Designer Course

Lesson 1 • Visual Design Principles for Motion

Applies static design fundamentals—hierarchy, contrast, balance—to time-based media. Connects visual theory directly to motion decision-making.

Lesson 2 • What Motion Graphics Actually Are

Defines motion graphics by distinguishing them from animation, video, and VFX. Establishes the discipline's scope and professional applications.

Lesson 3 • Software Environment and Workflow

Orients students to the industry-standard compositing and animation interface. Covers project setup, panels, and file management best practices.

Lesson 1 • Secondary Motion and Overlap

Introduces trailing elements and overlapping action to add depth and realism. Students layer secondary motion onto primary animations for polish.

Lesson 2 • Easing and Graph Editor Mastery

Teaches velocity curves using the graph editor to move beyond linear interpolation. Connects easing choices to emotional tone and brand feel.

Lesson 3 • Staging and Directing the Eye

Uses motion to guide viewer attention through a composition over time. Applies staging principles to ensure clear visual storytelling.

Lesson 4 • Squash, Stretch, and Exaggeration

Applies organic deformation principles to shapes and text for expressive motion. Balances realism with stylized exaggeration for different project tones.

Lesson 1 • Type Hierarchy and Legibility in Motion

Establishes rules for maintaining readability when type is animated. Covers size, weight, and contrast decisions specific to moving text.

Lesson 2 • Lower Thirds and Title Cards

Designs broadcast-ready lower thirds and title sequences with clean animation. Connects type motion to brand standards and production specs.

Lesson 3 • Text Animators and Range Selectors

Introduces the text animator engine for character- and word-level animation. Students build complex type reveals without manual keyframing.

Lesson 1 • Building Reusable Shape Systems

Organizes shape animations into modular, reusable components for production efficiency. Introduces pre-comps and master controllers for scalable design.

Lesson 2 • Shape Layer Architecture

Explains the group, path, and operator hierarchy within shape layers. Students build organized, editable shape structures from the start.

Lesson 3 • Shape Operators and Repeaters

Uses procedural operators—trim paths, repeaters, and offsets—to generate complex patterns. Reduces manual work through non-destructive shape logic.

Lesson 4 • Path Animation and Morphing

Animates vector paths to create morphing shapes and organic transitions. Covers vertex manipulation and path interpolation strategies.

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Expressions

Explains what expressions are and how they replace or augment manual keyframing. Students link properties and apply built-in expression helpers.

Lesson 2 • Building Expression-Driven Systems

Creates automated animation systems such as clocks, counters, and progress bars. Students build reusable rigs that update dynamically with minimal input.

Lesson 3 • Essential Expression Techniques

Covers the most-used expressions in professional motion graphics production. Students apply wiggle, loopOut, and time-based expressions immediately.

Lesson 4 • Scripting for Workflow Automation

Introduces scripting to automate repetitive project tasks beyond single-layer expressions. Students run and modify existing scripts to accelerate production.

Lesson 1 • Color Correction and Grading

Applies color tools to match, correct, and stylize footage and graphics together. Establishes a consistent visual tone across composite layers.

Lesson 2 • Green Screen and Keying

Removes color backgrounds using keying tools to integrate subjects into motion graphics. Covers spill suppression and edge refinement for clean keys.

Lesson 3 • Blending Modes and Layer Styles

Explains how blending modes combine pixel values for creative and technical effects. Students use modes to integrate graphics with live footage.

Lesson 4 • Motion Blur and Depth of Field

Adds camera-realistic blur to animated elements for visual cohesion. Differentiates between shutter-based and lens-based blur applications.

Lesson 1 • Social Media Motion Content

Adapts motion graphics for vertical, square, and short-form social formats. Covers platform-specific constraints and attention-driven design.

Lesson 2 • Delivery and Export Workflows

Configures render settings and export formats for multiple delivery destinations. Covers codec selection, file naming, and client handoff protocols.

Lesson 3 • Explainer Video Graphics

Designs animated graphics that support narrated explainer video scripts. Connects visual pacing to voiceover timing and content clarity.

Lesson 4 • Broadcast Standards and Specifications

Covers frame rates, color spaces, and safe zones required for broadcast delivery. Ensures students produce technically compliant work from the start.

Lesson 1 • 3D Layers and Camera Fundamentals

Activates 3D space for layers and introduces camera objects for cinematic framing. Students navigate and animate within a three-dimensional composition.

Lesson 2 • Integrating 3D Software Assets

Imports rendered 3D sequences and live 3D data from external software into composites. Covers multi-pass rendering and element integration workflows.

Lesson 3 • Lighting in 3D Compositions

Adds ambient, spot, and point lights to create depth and mood in 3D scenes. Covers shadow casting and material acceptance for realistic rendering.

Lesson 4 • Particle Systems and Simulations

Generates particle-based effects for dust, sparks, and organic motion graphics. Students control emitter properties to match stylistic and narrative needs.